JUSTICE WATCH IS ON THE 204TH DAY
Families of prisoners in front of Diyarbakır Prison
Photo: MA
Click to read the article in Turkish
Families of sick prisoners and the prisoners who have not been released despite completing their sentences have been holding a Justice Watch for 204 days.
Today's (Jun 7) Justice Watch was held in front of the Diyarbakır D Type Closed Prison, reported by Mezopotamya News Agency.
Members of the Association of Assistance and Solidarity with Families Who Lost Their Relatives in the Cradle of Civilizations (MEBYA-DER), Med Federation of Associations for Legal Aid and Solidarity with Families of Arrestees and Convicts (MED TUHAD-FED), Association for Solidarity with Families of Arrestees (TUAY-DER), Democratic Regions Party (DBP) were present at the press statement held in front of the prison gate.
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According to Human Rights Association (İHD), there are 1,517 ill prisoners in Turkey's prisons with 651 of them seriously ill. In 2021, at least 46 ill prisoners died in prisons, and three ill prisoners lost their lives shortly after their release. |
"They are behind bars for demanding justice"
Families stated that despite their calls, the minister of justice has not taken any steps toward their demands.
"Our children, brothers, and sisters are not released even though they have completed their sentences," said İnci Güler, one of the participants of the Justice Watch.
Another relative of a prisoner, Nazime Boltan stated that their relatives are in prison for demanding justice.
"Let them stop keeping them in prison despite their sentences having been completed. Let them release sick prisoners."
Boltan added that they will continue Justice Watch until their demand is met.
"We are calling from here once again. Unless they meet our demands, we will continue to be in the streets, in front of prisons, hospitals, everywhere."
Turkey's keeping sick prisoners behind bars despite the increase in the number of deaths inside prisons has been criticized by various human rights organizations as well as rights advocates.
CLICK - At least 1,517 ill prisoners behind bars in Turkey
CLICK - Ill prisoner Turgay Deniz dies shortly after release
CLICK - 83-year-old ill prisoner Mehmet Emin Özkan not released
(AS/TB)